Radiator

ABSTRACT

A radiator comprising two or more radiator sections ( 1 ). Adjacent radiator sections ( 1 ) are in fluid communication with one another via a coupling ( 2 ). The coupling ( 2 ) comprises a fluid channel through which fluid is flowable between adjacent radiator sections ( 1 ), a liquid sealing gasket ( 8 ) for providing a liquid-tight seal around the fluid channel, and a separate gas sealing gasket ( 9 ) for providing a gas-tight seal around the liquid sealing gasket ( 8 ).

The present invention relates to a radiator, and more particularly to aradiator formed from sections.

In this connection, some people are very sensitive to certain chemicalemissions including those given off from paint and plastics coatingsand/or to frequencies that are naturally or artificially produced. Suchpeople find that prolonged exposure to these can cause a wide variety ofnegative symptoms, such as headaches, irritated eyes, blotchy skin,itchiness, asthma, flu symptoms, hypertension, insomnia and fatigue.

Radiators generally, including hot water radiators currently on themarket, contribute to this problem since they all produce chemicalemissions by way of outgassing. Such emissions are largely caused by theeffect of the heat provided through the radiators heating the syntheticpaints and other surface coatings that have been applied to them, suchas epoxy-polyester or polyurethane based coatings. Further emissions arealso caused by the heating of synthetic material and bonding agents inthe joints and gaskets which are both used during the manufacture of theradiators and used in the connection of fittings to the radiator duringinstallation of a heating system. The outgassing chemical emissionsproduced not only cause sensitivity type reactions, as discussed above,but may also be carcinogenic.

During the winter months when central heating systems are used forlonger periods and fresh air circulation is substantially reduced due tothe tendency for doors and windows to be kept closed, the harmfuleffects of outgassing are further compounded. Accordingly, being able toreduce or prevent these emissions from radiators would significantlyattenuate the overall emission levels in a typical household.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide anapparatus which alleviates such problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided aradiator comprising two or more radiator sections, where adjacentradiator sections are in fluid communication with one another via acoupling; and wherein said coupling comprises a fluid channel throughwhich fluid is flowable between adjacent radiator sections, a liquidsealing gasket for providing a liquid-tight seal around said fluidchannel, and a separate gas sealing gasket for providing a gas-tightseal around said liquid sealing gasket.

In this way, the present invention provides a radiator in which thecoupling between adjacent sections employs a dual gasket system in whichthe gas sealing gasket prevents the escape of any outgassed emissionsfrom the liquid sealing gasket. This permits a rubber, or similarmaterial, to be used as the liquid sealing gasket to provide aneffective water tight seal adjacent to the hot heating fluid, withoutemitting high levels of outgassed chemicals commonly associated withsuch materials. As such, the overall emissions signature produced by ofthe radiator of the present invention is significantly reduced, therebypotentially offering considerable indoor air quality and environmentalbenefits.

Conveniently, the liquid sealing gasket and gas sealing gasket arecoaxial.

The liquid sealing gasket may be made of a polymer material and, in apreferred embodiment, rubber. The gas sealing gasket may be made ofmetal and, in a preferred embodiment, copper.

Conveniently, the radiator sections have a vitreous enamel coating. Thiscoating has been found to provide particularly low levels of outgassingemissions, as well as acting to seal in any gasses produced from theheated sections. In addition, the coating provides a hard, scratchresistant surface, together with a high level of thermal output. In thisrespect, it has been found that an enamel coated radiator according toan embodiment of the present invention has about a 5% higher thermaloutput during a DIN EN442 thermal output test compared to a conventionalcast iron radiator.

In this connection, it is advantageous to use a soft material such aspolymer (e.g. rubber) for the liquid sealing gasket because excessivepressure is not required to create a liquid-tight seal between theradiator sections and between the end radiator sections and the fittingswhen these are brought together. This means that distortion of theradiator sections can be avoided, which could otherwise cause thevitreous enamel coating to crack and split. Further, the radiator has amuch greater capacity to expand and contract when heating and cooling,providing a radiator which is substantially more secure against leaks.

Moreover, if only a single soft metal sealing gasket were to be used toseal between radiator sections and between the end radiator sections andthe fittings, excessive pressure would be required to form a seal. Thiswould lead to distortion of the radiator sections causing cracking andsplitting of the enamel coating. Further, a single soft metal sealinggasket is unreliable for creating a tight liquid seal. Also, it has beenfound that a radiator constructed with single soft metal sealing gasketswill have little capacity to withstand contraction and expansion, sincethe soft metal gaskets form an integral part of the radiator and are toorigid to allow the prevention of leaks from the radiator.

At least one radiator section may include an annular groove into whichthe gas sealing gasket can be seated. In which case, the gas sealinggasket is compressible between the annular groove and the surface of anadjacent radiator section, adjacent radiator sections being held apartonce the gas sealing gasket has been compressed. This arrangement, inwhich a groove is provided on one side of the gas sealing gasket and theother side is provided with a smooth surface, allows the maximumstability and sealing capabilities of the gas sealing gasket as itslides and compresses to adjust for any minute machining and alignmentdifferences when assembling the radiator.

Conveniently, a spacing member is provided between adjacent radiatorsections for ensuring that the radiator sections are spaced apart by apredetermined distance once the gas sealing gasket has been compressed.This ensures that the radiator sections are spaced apart by apredetermined distance after the gas sealing gasket compresses. Thespacing member may support the liquid sealing gasket. Conveniently, theradiator sections are provided with a non-coated area at the couplingbetween adjacent radiator sections, said non-coated area not having avitreous enamel coating. These features prevent the enamel coating beingdamaged when the sections of the radiator are machined and subsequentlyjoined together.

In a preferred embodiment, the spacing member supports said liquidsealing gasket. In such a case, the spacing member and liquid sealinggasket provides allowance for the expansion and contraction of theradiator elements during the cooling and heating cycles.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provideda radiator comprising: at least two radiator sections, wherein adjacentradiator sections are in fluid communication with each other; a joiningmember for joining the radiator sections together; end fittings forconnection to the ends of the joining member, the end fittings forcontacting the outermost radiator sections and drawing all the radiatorsections together; a plurality of liquid sealing gaskets for providing aliquid-tight seal between adjacent radiator sections; and a plurality ofgas sealing gaskets for providing a gas-tight seal around each of theplurality of liquid sealing gaskets.

The joining member may be elongate, and the end fittings may be moveablein a direction along the longitudinal axis of the joining member.Preferably, the end portions of the joining member are externallythreaded and the end fittings are internally threaded. This allows themovement of the end fittings to be brought about by the screwing of theend fittings onto the joining member. Preferably the joining membercomprises an internal fluid channel for distributing liquid to each ofthe radiator sections.

In an embodiment, the joining member comprises a plurality of joiningelements assembled together. Preferably, each of said joining elementscomprises an engagement portion for engagement with a radiator sectionfor joining it to an adjacent radiator section. Preferably, each of saidjoining elements comprises a threaded section for connection to acorresponding threaded section on an adjacent joining element. In thisway, each joining element can be used to attach and secure an individualradiator section, allowing sections to be added as required. This allowsdifferent lengths of radiators to be easily provided.

The gas sealing gasket may be compressed between adjacent surfaces ofthe radiator sections, and the radiator sections may be held apart oncethe gas sealing gasket has been compressed. In this connection, theradiator may further comprise a spacing member provided between adjacentradiator sections. This allows the radiator sections to be spaced apartby a predetermined distance once the gas sealing gasket has beencompressed. The spacing member may support the liquid sealing gasket.

Preferably, the spacing member is located around the joining member.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provideda method of forming a radiator, the method comprising the steps of:forming a plurality of radiator sections; providing a joining member forjoining the radiator sections together; positioning end fittings ontothe ends of the joining member, and moving the end fittings relative tothe radiator sections to contact the outermost radiator sections anddraw the radiator sections together; providing a plurality of liquidsealing gaskets for providing a liquid-tight seal between adjacentradiator sections; and providing a plurality of gas sealing gaskets forproviding a gas-tight seal around each of the plurality of liquidsealing gaskets.

The end fittings may be threaded onto the end portions of the joiningmember.

Conveniently, the method further comprises the step of compressing thegas sealing gasket between adjacent surfaces of adjacent radiatorsections to provide the gas-tight seal.

Conveniently, the method further comprises the step of positioning aspacing member between adjacent radiator sections for ensuring that theradiator sections are spaced apart by a predetermined distance once thegas sealing gasket has been compressed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provideda radiator comprising two or more radiator sections, said sections beingvitreous enameled, and where adjacent radiator sections are in fluidcommunication with one another via a coupling and fittings system;wherein said coupling and fittings system comprises spacing collars,joining members, end fittings, and a fluid channel through which fluidcan flow; and wherein, for each spacing collar and/or end fitting, thereis provided at least one non-metallic liquid sealing gasket forproviding a liquid-tight seal around said fluid channel, and a separatemetallic gas sealing gasket for providing a tight gas seal around eachsaid liquid sealing gasket.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provideda radiator comprising two or more radiator sections, where adjacentradiator sections are in fluid communication with one another via acoupling; and wherein the radiator sections have a vitreous enamelcoating; and wherein said coupling comprises a fluid channel throughwhich fluid is flowable between adjacent radiator sections, anon-metallic liquid sealing gasket for providing a liquid-tight sealaround said fluid channel, and a separate metallic gas sealing gasketfor providing a gas-tight seal around said liquid sealing gasket forpreventing chemical emissions from said liquid sealing gasket.

In this way, the present invention provides a radiator in which thecoupling between adjacent sections employs a dual gasket system in whichthe metallic gas sealing gasket (e.g. copper) prevents the escape of anyoutgassed emissions from the non-metallic liquid sealing gasket (e.g.rubber). Furthermore, this dual gasket system allows the vitreous enamelcoating to be used. That is, the non-metallic liquid sealing gasketallows the creation of a liquid-tight seal between the radiator sectionsand between the end radiator sections and the fittings without requiringexcessive pressure. This means that distortion of the radiator sectionscan be avoided, which could otherwise cause damage to the vitreousenamel coating. Further, the expansion and contraction of the radiatorduring the heating cycle is also allowed for. Overall this allows aradiator having the smallest possible chemical signature, therebypotentially offering considerable indoor air quality and environmentalbenefits.

Illustrative examples of a radiator of the present invention will now bedescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a single cast iron section according to afirst embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the single cast iron section shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section of a radiator comprising a number of sectionsjoined together in accordance with a first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-section through a joint between the top of twoadjacent sections shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows the spacer of FIG. 4 in greater detail;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial section through a joint showing a softmetal gasket;

FIG. 7 is a cross-section through an end fitting according to a firstembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-section though a joint between an end section and anend fitting according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross-section of a joining element according to a secondembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an end view of the joining element shown in FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11 is a cross-section through a joint between the top of twoadjacent sections employing a plurality of the joining elements shown inFIGS. 9 and 10.

FIGS. 1 and 2 respectively show a front and side elevation of a singlesection 1 of a hot water radiator according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention. A number of such sections 1, typically between fourand fifteen depending on the size of the sections and the requiredradiator size, are connected together side-by-side to form a hot waterradiator.

Each section 1 includes joining bosses 2 on each side at the top andbottom, which not only serve to help space adjacent sections 1 from oneanother, but also provide the channels between adjacent sections 1through which fluid inside the radiator can pass. As shown in FIG. 2, inthis embodiment each section 1 also includes air flow passages 3. Theseair flow passages 3, along with the external surfaces of each of thespaced sections 1, provide a large surface area over which air can beheated by the radiator. It should be noted however that sections whichdo not include air flow passages could alternatively be used.

Each section 1 is formed from cast iron. Cast iron is particularlysuitable since it allows a strong bonding surface for the enamel coatingwhich is subsequently applied, although it will be understood thatalternative materials can be used. This process is discussed in moredetail below. Although cast iron is a heavy material, the sectional,modular design used in the present embodiment allows for easyconstruction. Furthermore, cast iron, since being relatively heavy,provides vibrational damping which not only reduces radiator noise, butalso alleviates emissions caused by the vibration of the radiatoragainst other materials in contact with the radiator, such as wallfixtures or flooring. Moreover, cast iron also advantageously retainsheat for relatively long periods of time, making it suitable for heatingapplications.

Substantially the entire outer surface of each cast iron section 1 iscoated with vitreous enamel. However, a small portion of the joint endsof the joining bosses 2 is not enamelled. That is, a portion in theaxial direction at the end of joining boss 2 is not coated with enamelpowder during the enamelling process.

To achieve the required vitreous enamel surface, each cast iron sectionis processed which includes coating it in a vitreous enamelling powderor fluid FRIT mixture, which comprises a glassy substance, and is thenheated in a furnace in the range of 750° C. and 850° C.

The enamel coating provides a hard surface which is resistant tochemicals, fire and scratches, and also allows for easy cleaning.Importantly, since the radiator sections are coated in vitreous enamel,there is no need for paint coatings, which would otherwise causeoutgassing. Furthermore, as discussed above, since sections 1 are formedof cast iron, a strong bonding surface for the enamel coating isprovided, thereby increasing the lifespan of the enamelled sections.

After heating the sections 1, the un-enamelled joining faces of thejoining bosses 2 in each section 1 are machined to ensure that they areperfectly flat and thereby ensure that a good liquid-tight seal and atight gas seal can be formed between them. This machining step firstlyremoves any distortion of the cast iron sections caused by theprocessing of the enamel coating. By having an un-enamelled portion atthe joining bosses 2 in this way, the machining step does not effect theintegrity of the enamel coating.

The machining step also includes the machining of an annular groove oftrapezoidal cross-section into one of the joining faces of opposingjoining bosses 2. This annular groove is involved in ensuring correctseating of a soft metal sealing gasket for forming a seal, as discussedbelow.

Once a number of sections 1 have been enameled and machined, they can beconnected together. In this regard, FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of aradiator comprising a number of sections 1 joined together. The sections1 are held in place relative to one another by rods 4 which pass throughinternal apertures in the sections 1 and bosses 2. The rods 4 are of aparticular length so as to allow the required number of sections 1 to beheld in place, thus creating a radiator of a required length. In thisconnection, different lengths of rod 4 may be provided in order to allowthe creation of radiators of different lengths. The rods 4 are hollowand have a series of holes 5 formed in their outer surface. The holes 5are located so as to align with a particular section 1 when the sections1 are in situ on the rods 4. The two sections 1 forming the ends of theradiator do not have holes 5 associated therewith, and so the rods 4require two less sets of holes 5 than the number of sections 1 to beprovided thereon. The end portions of the rods 4 are externally threadedto enable the sections 1 of the radiator to be fixed in place byscrewing end fittings 11 onto each end of the rods 4.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of two adjacent sections 1 connectedtogether at joining bosses 2 in accordance with a first embodiment ofthe present invention. As described above with reference to FIG. 3,adjacent sections 1 are held in place relative to one another by a rod 4which passes through internal apertures in the sections 1 and bosses 2.The end portions of the rod 4 are externally threaded to enable thesections 1 of the radiator to be fixed in place, as described above.

A spacing collar 6 is provided between each adjacent section 1. Thecollars 6 are sized to fit coaxially around the rod 4 and when in placeare situated in a cut-away portion formed in each of the bosses 2.

As can be seen from FIG. 5, two substantially parallel circumferentialgrooves 7 are formed in the outer surface of the collars 6, located suchthat when a collar 6 is in place between two adjacent sections 1 acavity is formed between the collar 6 and each of the bosses 2, as canbe seen in FIG. 4. These grooves receive respective rubber sealinggaskets 8, as shown in FIG. 4, thereby forming a liquid-tight sealbetween the collar 6 and each of the bosses 2.

The sealing gaskets 8, such as those shown in FIG. 4, are formed ofrubber so as to provide a liquid-tight seal, and thereby prevent hotwater/radiator fluid contained in the sections 1 leaking to the outsideof the radiator.

In addition to the rubber sealing gaskets 8, a secondary soft metalsealing gasket 9, as shown in FIG. 6, is located between the flatsurface of one boss 2 and an annular groove 10 formed in an end face ofan adjacent boss 2 so that, as the end faces of the bosses 2 of adjacentsections 1 come together, they compress the soft metal sealing gasket 9to form a tight gas seal between the adjacent sections 1, as shown inFIG. 4. In this way, the escape of any chemical emissions, caused by theheating of the rubber sealing gaskets 8, is minimised, thus minimisingthe problems discussed above.

As the end fittings 11 are screwed onto the ends of the rods 4 to fixthe sections 1 in place, the soft metal sealing gaskets 9 arecompressed. If required, the bosses 2 of adjacent sections 1 are thenprevented from abutting each other by the spacing collar 6, which limitsthe distance between the sections 1. This helps to avoid any likelihoodof the enamel coating of the sections 1 cracking, which could occur ifend fittings 11 were over tightened after the soft metal sealing gasket9 has been compressed.

In this preferred embodiment, the soft metal sealing gasket 9 is formedas an annulus having a hexagonal cross-section. The cross-section of thesoft metal sealing gasket is shown more clearly in FIG. 6. The gasket 9is formed of copper, and preferably pure copper that is preheated tominimize outgassing. The gasket 9 is inserted into the groove 10 whereit remains in the correct position during assembly of the radiator. Theflat end face of boss 2 of an adjacent section 1 may then be broughttogether with the grooved end face of the boss 2 such that a flatsurface of the gasket 9 abuts flush with the flat end face of theadjacent boss 2. The gasket 9 is compressed as the sections 1 are pulledtogether during assembly. This partially deforms the gasket itself toensure a gas-tight seal.

FIG. 7 shows a right-hand end fitting 11 with its components separated,and FIG. 8 shows this end fitting in place on an end section 1. The endfitting 11 comprises a sleeve 12, a end cap 17, and a connecting member13 for connecting the end cap 17 to the sleeve 12.

In this respect, connecting member 13 is annular and passes over sleeve12 until it abuts with a shoulder provided at the far right side ofsleeve 12. Connecting member 13 has an internally threaded ring member14 into which end cap 17 can be screwed into, as is described in furtherdetail below. The sleeve 12 is provided with out-turned ends whichcreate an abutment surface 15.

A circumferential groove 16 is formed in the outer surface of the sleeve12, located such that when the end fitting 11 is fixed in place a cavityis formed between the end fitting 11 and the outermost boss 2 of endsection 1. This cavity receives a rubber sealing gasket 8, therebyforming a liquid-tight seal between the end fitting 11 and the boss 2.An annular groove 20 is formed in the abutment surface 15, and a softmetal sealing gasket 9 is received in the groove 20. The soft metalsealing gasket 9 is thus compressed as the outermost boss 2 and the endfitting 11 come together, thereby forming a tight gas seal between theend section 1 and the end fitting 11. In this way, the escape of anychemical emissions, caused by the heating of the rubber sealing gasket8, is minimised, thus minimising the problems of outgassing discussedabove.

A left-hand end fitting (not shown) is similar to the right-hand endfitting of FIG. 7, except that the abutment surface 15 does not containan annular groove 20. Instead, the soft metal sealing gasket 9 isreceived in an annular groove 10 in the outermost boss 2, like thatshown in FIG. 6. The soft metal sealing gasket is thus compressed as theoutermost boss 2 and the left hand end fitting come together.

The reason the right-hand and left-hand end fittings are slightlydifferent relates to the assembly method used in assembling the presentembodiment. That is, the sections 1 are stacked during assembly, withthe right-hand end fitting 11 being placed at the start of the stack. Assuch the annular groove 20 ensures that the soft metal sealing gasket 9does not move as the subsequent sections 1 are stacked thereon. As theleft-hand end fitting is fixed in place at the end of the stack, thereis no need for an annular groove 20, and as such the left-hand endfitting is manufactured without the additional step of machining anannular groove 20 into the abutment surface 15.

When an end fitting 11 is screwed onto a rod 4 for fixing the radiatorsections together, as shown in FIG. 8 (again a right-hand end fitting 11is shown), the sleeve 12 is located within the internal aperture in theend section 1. The sleeve 12 is sized so as to fit coaxially around therod 4 and is internally threaded, thus allowing the rod 4 to be screwedonto the end fittings 11. In doing so, the soft metal sealing gasket 9in located in the groove 20 in the abutment surface 15 is brought intocontact with the surface of the outermost boss 2, and the soft metalsealing gasket 9 is compressed when the sections 1 of the radiator arepulled together as the end fittings 11 are screwed onto the rod 4.

As mentioned above, the cap 17 is externally threaded such that it canbe screwed into place by co-operation with the thread 14 of theconnecting member 13. An annular rubber sealing gasket 18 is locatedbetween the cap 17 and the sleeve 12 to provide a water-tight seal therebetween. Further, an annular soft metal sealing gasket 19, with adiameter larger than that of the rubber sealing gasket 18, is locatedbetween the cap 17 and the sleeve 12 and around the rubber sealinggasket 18 so as to provide a tight gas seal. The soft metal sealinggasket 19 comprises a U-shaped protrusion extending towards the sleeve12. As the cap 17 is screwed into place, the soft metal sealing gasket19 is compressed between the cap 17 and the sleeve 12 to form a tightgas seal between them. Further, the U-shaped protrusion acts like aspring to ensure that the cap 17 is correctly seated and a tight seal ismaintained.

The end cap 17 is provided with cavities shaped so as to receive a keyfor tightening the end cap 17.

As the end fittings 11 are tightened onto the rods 4, and the end cap 17onto sleeve 12, the rubber sealing gaskets 8 and 18 form a liquid-tightseal between adjacent sections 1 and also between the components of theend fitting 11 and the respective end section 1. Further, the soft metalsealing gaskets 9 and 19 form a gas-tight seal between adjacent sections1 and also between each end fitting 11 and the respective end section 1.

In the above example, the end cap 17 is a blank end fitting for pluggingthe end of the radiator. However, it will be understood that other endfittings are also provided for allowing the radiator to be connected toa hot water heating system and to provide an air vent/bleed valve. Forexample, in the case of a hot water inlet or outlet, the end cap 17 isfurther provided with an aperture through which a inlet/outlet pipe isfitted to communicate with the internal bore of sleeve 12. In such acase, a compression nut and then a copper olive are slid over theinlet/outlet pipe and then inserted and tightened into the end cap 17.

In use, hot water or other suitable radiator fluid passes through thecap of the end fitting 11 configured as a hot water inlet and into therod 4. The end fitting 11 is provided with a hole to allow water to flowinto the end sections 1, and the holes 5 in the rod 4 allow the water toflow into each of the remaining sections 1, thereby heating theradiator.

As will be clear from the above, with the above described construction,the present invention provides a radiator having the smallest possiblechemical signature, thereby potentially offering considerable indoor airquality and environmental benefits. In this respect, importantly, thedual gasket system allows an effective water tight seal to be formed,without requiring excessive compression between elements which coulddistort the radiator sections. This allows the radiator sections to becoated with a low emission, high thermal output vitreous enamel coating,without risk of damage to this coating. At the same time the metallicgas sealing gasket prevents the escape of any outgassed emissions fromthe non-metallic liquid sealing gasket.

FIGS. 9 to 11 show a joining element 21 of a second embodiment of thepresent invention. This embodiment is substantially the same as theabove described first embodiment, except that the rods 4 are replaced bya plurality of joining elements 21 which are connected together to forma rod-like member, as shown in FIG. 11.

In this connection, FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of joiningelement 21. The joining element 21 is formed of a tubular body with anexternal threaded section 24 provided at one end and an internalthreaded section 22 provided at the other.

On the exterior of the joining element 21, a spacing collar formation 6is provided. This spacing collar formation 6 performs substantially thesame function as the spacing collar described in the first embodiment.Accordingly, parallel circumferential grooves 7 are formed in thespacing collar formation 6 for receiving rubber sealing gaskets 8.

The interior of the joining element 21 provides a channel there through.Apertures 5 are provided around the circumference of the joining element21 and allow fluid communication between its interior and exterior. Theinternal surface 23 of the joining element 21 is formed with an Allenkey formation, as shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 shows a cross-section of two adjacent radiator sections 1connected together at joining bosses 2 using joining elements 21. As canbe seen, a joining element 21 is positioned such that its spacing collarformation 6 fits between the bosses 2 of two adjacent sections 1. Rubbersealing gaskets 8 are provided in the circumferential grooves 7 forforming the liquid seal.

The external threaded section 24 of a joining element 21 is screwed intothe internal threaded section 22 of the adjacent joining element 21 onthe left using Allen key formation 23. This acts to press the left handsection 1 into its adjacent section (not shown) through the engagementbetween spacing collar formation 6 and boss 2. This allows adjacentsections 1 to be pulled together, thereby compressing gas sealing gasket9. Once a particular joining element 21 has been fitted and tightened tothe required pressure, the next joining element 21, and hence the nextsection 1, can be attached in the same manner by screwing the externalthreaded section 24 into the internal threaded section 22 of thepreviously attached joining element 21. This process is repeated untilthe desired number of sections 1 are attached. End fittings can then beattached to the end collars of the assembly to secure and seal the unit.In this connection, it will be understood that with this embodiment, theend fittings are adapted for connection to the internal or externalthreaded sections 22 and 24.

Once assembled, the plurality of connected joining elements 21 form arod-like member which functions in a similar way to the rod 4 describedin the first embodiment. As such, the apertures 5 provided on each ofthe joining elements 21 allow the water to flow into or out of each ofthe sections 1, as with the first embodiment.

As will be understood, the joining elements 21 of this second embodimentpermit on site modification of the number of radiator sections 1connected to together, by simply allowing additional joining elements 21to be connected. This allows longer radiator assemblies to be provided,if required.

It will be understood that the illustrated embodiments described hereinshow applications of the invention only for the purposes ofillustration. In practice the invention may be applied to many differentconfigurations, the detailed embodiments being straightforward to thoseskilled in the art to implement.

1. A radiator comprising two or more radiator sections, where adjacentradiator sections are in fluid communication with one another via acoupling; and wherein said coupling comprises a fluid channel throughwhich fluid is flowable between adjacent radiator sections, a liquidsealing gasket for providing a liquid-tight seal around said fluidchannel, and a separate gas sealing gasket for providing a gas-tightseal around said liquid sealing gasket.
 2. A radiator according to claim1, wherein the liquid sealing gasket and gas sealing gasket are coaxial.3. A radiator according to claim 1, wherein the liquid sealing gasket ismade of a polymer.
 4. A radiator according to claim 1, wherein theliquid sealing gasket is made of rubber.
 5. A radiator according toclaim 1, wherein the gas sealing gasket is made of metal.
 6. A radiatoraccording to claim 1, wherein the gas sealing gasket is made of copper.7. A radiator according to claim 1, wherein at least one radiatorsection includes an annular groove into which the gas sealing gasket canbe seated.
 8. A radiator according to claim 1, wherein the gas sealinggasket is compressed between adjacent surfaces of adjacent radiatorsections.
 9. A radiator according to claim 8, wherein adjacent radiatorsections are held apart once the gas sealing gasket has been compressed.10. A radiator according to claim 9, further comprising a spacing memberprovided between adjacent radiator sections for ensuring that theradiator sections are spaced apart by a predetermined distance once thegas sealing gasket has been compressed.
 11. A radiator according toclaim 10, wherein said spacing member supports said liquid sealinggasket.
 12. A radiator according to claim 1, wherein the radiatorsections have a vitreous enamel coating.
 13. A radiator according toclaim 12 wherein the radiator sections are provided with a non-coatedarea at the coupling between adjacent radiator sections, said non-coatedarea not having a vitreous enamel coating.
 14. A radiator comprising: atleast two radiator sections, wherein adjacent radiator sections are influid communication with each other; a joining member for joining theradiator sections together; end fittings for connection to the ends ofthe joining member, the end fittings for contacting the outermostradiator sections and drawing the radiator sections together; aplurality of liquid sealing gaskets for providing a liquid-tight sealbetween adjacent radiator sections; and a plurality of gas sealinggaskets for providing a gas-tight seal around each of the plurality ofliquid sealing gaskets.
 15. A radiator according to claim 14, whereinthe joining member is elongate.
 16. A radiator according to claim 15,wherein the end fittings are moveable in a direction along thelongitudinal axis of each joining member.
 17. A radiator according toclaim 14, wherein end portions of the joining member are externallythreaded and the end fittings are internally threaded, such that theradiator sections are drawn together by screwing the end fittings ontothe respective end portions of the joining member.
 18. A radiatoraccording to claim 14, wherein the joining member comprises an internalfluid channel for distributing liquid to each of the radiator sections.19. A radiator according to any claim 14, wherein said joining membercomprises a plurality joining elements assembled together.
 20. Aradiator according to claim 19 wherein each of said joining elementscomprises an engagement portion for engagement with a radiator sectionfor joining it to an adjacent radiator section.
 21. A radiator accordingto claim 20 wherein each of said joining elements comprises a threadedsection for connection to a corresponding threaded section on anadjacent joining element.
 22. (canceled)
 23. (canceled)
 24. (canceled)25. (canceled)
 26. (canceled)
 27. A method of forming a radiator, themethod comprising the steps of: forming a plurality of radiatorsections; providing a joining member for joining the radiator sectionstogether; positioning end fittings onto the ends of the joining member,and moving the end fittings relative to the radiator sections to contactthe outermost radiator sections and draw the radiator sections together;providing a plurality of liquid sealing gaskets for providing aliquid-tight seal between adjacent radiator sections; and providing aplurality of gas sealing gaskets for providing a gas-tight seal aroundeach of the plurality of liquid sealing gaskets.
 28. A method of forminga radiator according to claim 27, wherein the end fittings are threadedonto the end portions of the joining member.
 29. A method of forming aradiator according to claim 28, and further comprising the step ofcompressing the gas sealing gasket between adjacent surfaces of adjacentradiator sections to provide the gas-tight seal.
 30. A method of forminga radiator according to claim 29, and further comprising the step ofpositioning a spacing member between adjacent radiator sections toensure that the radiator sections are spaced apart by a predetermineddistance once the gas sealing gasket has been compressed as the radiatorsections are drawn together.
 31. (canceled)
 32. (canceled)
 33. Aradiator comprising two or more radiator sections, said sections beingvitreous enameled, and where adjacent radiator sections are in fluidcommunication with one another via a coupling and fittings system;wherein said coupling and fittings system comprises spacing collars,joining members, end fittings, and a fluid channel through which fluidcan flow; and wherein, for each spacing collar and/or end fitting, thereis provided at least one non-metallic liquid sealing gasket forproviding a liquid-tight seal around said fluid channel, and a separatemetallic gas sealing gasket for providing a tight gas seal around eachsaid liquid sealing gasket.
 34. A radiator comprising two or moreradiator sections, where adjacent radiator sections are in fluidcommunication with one another via a coupling; and wherein the radiatorsections have a vitreous enamel coating; and wherein said couplingcomprises a fluid channel through which fluid is flowable betweenadjacent radiator sections, a non-metallic liquid sealing gasket forproviding a liquid-tight seal around said fluid channel, and a separatemetallic gas sealing gasket for providing a gas-tight seal around saidliquid sealing gasket for preventing chemical emissions from said liquidsealing gasket.